Is Bad Breath a Sign of Illness?

Bad breath, technically called halitosis, can be caused by something simple, like what you eat, drink, or even work stress, or something more serious, such as a deeper oral health issue or medical condition. Determining the cause of bad breath and the appropriate treatment can sometimes be a challenge. It can also be difficult to know whether you should see a dentist, your healthcare provider, or try to treat your bad breath on your own.

What Is Bad Breath?

Bad breath, medically referred to as “halitosis”, is a common experience for most adults from time to time. Eating foods like garlic or onions, drinking too much coffee, or not drinking enough water can all lead to an odor on the breath. However, if you notice that you have bad breath all the time, it may be a sign that there is a more serious oral health or medical issue occurring.

Is Bad Breath a Sign of Illness?

Fortunately, for most people, bad breath is not a sign of something serious. It is often a consequence of diet, medication use, or poor oral hygiene. However, if you have tried improving these factors and your bad breath isn’t improving, it may be time to contact your dentist.

One helpful clue to identifying the cause of bad breath is the type of odor. Breath odors can range from sour to fruity or sweet. If your breath smells like something you recently drank, such as coffee, or something you ate, this may explain the cause. However, breath that smells strongly like fish or rotten eggs may sometimes indicate a more serious medical issue. Because it can be tough to evaluate your own breath, you may want to ask a friend for their honest feedback if you are concerned.

How is Bad Breath Treated?

Treating bad breath first requires identifying the underlying cause. For example, if neglecting daily hygiene is responsible, a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque buildup and improve oral hygiene at home can help reduce the odor. Additional at-home treatments for bad breath caused by plaque and bacteria may include antibacterial mouth rinses and brushing your teeth more frequently. If bad breath is related to a medical condition, your primary healthcare provider will be best suited to help identify the underlying issue and recommend the appropriate treatment.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

If you have taken steps to improve your oral hygiene routine and your bad breath is not going away, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. If your dentist evaluates your oral health and does not identify a dental cause for your bad breath, they may refer you to see your primary care physician to determine whether an underlying medical condition is responsible.

For most patients, getting fresh breath can be as simple as improving oral hygiene habits. However, in some cases, bad breath can be an important and necessary sign of an underlying health condition and may alert you to seek the care and treatment needed to protect your overall health and well-being.

Related Article: What does Halitosis Smell Like?